Canada has updated its policy, allowing applicants for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa to purchase health insurance from companies outside the country, according to a report from Financial Express.
The Super Visa, designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, permits them to visit their families in Canada for extended periods.
To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants must provide proof of private health insurance, as they are not covered by provincial or territorial healthcare plans.
Until recently, health insurance for Super Visa applicants had to be obtained from Canadian providers. However, starting January 28, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will allow applicants to present health insurance policies from foreign companies.
To meet the requirements for health insurance coverage under the new policy, the insurance must be issued by a foreign company authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to offer accident and sickness insurance. The foreign insurer must also appear on the OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions and issue the policy under its Canadian insurance business.
Super Visa holders must maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay in Canada. If their coverage expires before they leave, they may need to renew their insurance. Insurance must also remain valid for each entry into Canada.
This change is intended to make it easier for families to reunite under the Super Visa program, while ensuring that parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents are adequately covered by health insurance while in Canada.
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry temporary resident visa (TRV) with a validity of up to 10 years, allowing for stays of up to 5 years at a time. Applicants are eligible for the Super Visa if they apply from outside Canada and meet the requirements for temporary residence as a visitor.
Unlike a regular visitor visa, which allows stays of up to 6 months, the Super Visa offers longer visits without the need for frequent extensions.
